John 10:10 *** is often misused by PGPs (Prosperity Gospel Preachers):
The thief cometh not, but for to
steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and
that they might have it more abundantly.
The problem is they define abundant life as wealth and power
which is far from what Jesus was talking about here. The abundant life is MORE
than just things and comfort, it is LOVE.
Also, somehow the “abundant life” is equated with hitting
the “easy button” where everything is perfect. No we live in a flawed world, things
happen unexpected that are not what anyone would consider perfect. The “abundant
life” that Jesus talked about knows this, but knows we don’t need to focus on
the negative but rather remain grounded in Jesus.
Case in point, for a while you could see in my blog a heavy
New World Order slant. I was hot on the globalists and the Illuminati. That
just got me depressed and focused away from the “abundant life” Jesus had in
mind. Are we still spiraling down the commode? Maybe, but if we are, try to focus on
the New Jerusalem and not the tribulation we must pass through.
On a side note we are NOT going to be “raptured” up avoiding
the rough times ahead. We have explored this before and will do so later, but I
would love scriptural support if you believe it.
Anyway, the “abundant life” can be lived in a Ferrari or a
Yugo, the key is what else you are doing. Are you focused on the money and the
car, either one? In both cases you missed the mark, since rich or poor if your
idol is money
and your
focus is on money or the lack of money then you missed all Jesus said about money.
NOTE – money is not evil, but rather the love of money.
My point is the PGP’s in this world tend to remove our focus
from God and place it on their idol, money. We need to focus on more than
things, but rather love and compassion. As with giving, the focus should not be
what the PGPs want you to expect more if you give more, but rather focus on
giving what you can, if God is pleased and your attitude is solid then they
will align and you will have more.
See abundance comes from an attitude of abundance, but in
everything and not just money!!
*** BibleGate way is down … so using BibleHub until it’s back up and operational.